We’ve all been there. We wake up, get to work, and start diving into the mountain of projects positioned on our desk. And then, suddenly, it’s 2:00 and our energy completely fizzles out. We stare at our screen for awhile and glance at the clock after what feels like an hour. It’s 2:05. We think to ourselves, “How in the world am I going to make it 3 more hours before the day ends?” Tick, tock. It’s the midday slump. Everyone experiences it. No matter how excited and energized

A few summers ago, I read The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. In the beginning, I was unsure whether or not I was someone who would enjoy a fictional story that was a complete metaphor for life and its struggles. But, it was an easy read, so I really didn’t have an excuse not to see what it had to offer. After reading the final words, I had learned so much more than I ever imagined and began telling coworkers, friends, family, and anyone who would listen, that they needed to buy

As Amanda tells me her story, my fingers flick against the laptop keys. I can’t help but think her story foreshadows my own. My husband and I have been talking about moving out of the city. I’ve been dreaming about quitting my job and committing fully to my business. Was this a fluke that we are meeting? Today? As she goes on, I think: This was no coincidence. The Ficeks continued renting their hobby farm for another year, while they remodeled the upper level of the store to

On a dusty Saturday afternoon, I head west. A dot on the map, Independence is full of open spaces, curvy roads and horse farms. And a gem of a shop called Mama’s Happy. I pull up and make my way inside the store. I’m surrounded by upcycled treasures, reclaimed wooden benches, handmade jewelry and lavender-scented candles. In the middle of the store sits a work station. A handful of women huddle around, chatting about the best place to hang an antique mirror. I tentatively app